Services Offered by Concrete Companies
Concrete contractors can handle both simple repairs and large-scale renovations. We'll explain different services they offer in the following sections.
Concrete Cleaning
Concrete cleaning services remove dirt, stains, contaminants, and grime from sidewalks and driveways. The process enhances the concrete's visual appeal, stops deterioration from trapped pollutants, and lengthens its life span. Proper concrete cleaning requires the right equipment and knowledge to ensure effective results without compromising the surface’s structural integrity. Using pressure washing, chemical treatments, and surface scrubbing, professional concrete companies restore the original luster and color of your concrete.
Concrete Pouring
Durable and functional driveways and patios begin with a proper pouring job. Experienced concrete technicians must ensure the concrete sets evenly and appropriately, sticks correctly, and gets to the desired strength. Before they begin to pour, concrete technicians must find the ideal mix based on your job's size and Alexandria's weather conditions. Vibration and smoothing techniques can help remove trapped air for a even finish.
Concrete Reinforcement
Concrete reinforcement uses steel mesh or bars within the mixture to withstand external forces, such as tension and compression. This in turn reduces the risk of cracking and deforming, and helps the concrete bear environmental stress and heavy loads.
Concrete Sealing
Concrete sealing safeguards surfaces from the detrimental effects of moisture, chemicals, and weathering. Technicians apply a protective sealant or coating to the concrete, forming a barrier that stops water. The coating also enhances the concrete's resistance to freeze-thaw cycles, UV radiation, and abrasion. Expert application is crucial to ensure uniform coverage and proper adhesion. Sealing will extend your investment's life, reducing maintenance time and costs.
Concrete Repair
When concrete structures crack, erode, or spall, the fix will demand a careful assessment and tailored solutions. Concrete companies can solve these problems and more to protect your driveway, patio, or pathway's integrity and beauty. Concrete troubles in Alexandria frequently stem from typical wear and tear, poor initial construction, or environmental factors. A concrete contractor can use solutions such as patching, resurfacing, epoxy injections, or rebar replacement to prolong the concrete’s life span and keep it up to safety standards.
Choosing The Right Alexandria, VA Concrete Company
To select the right Alexandria concrete contractor, weigh the key elements that lead to a successful project. These include:
- Cost: Price shouldn't be your sole determining factor. Instead, make an effort to find a team that achieves the right balance between price and good quality work. We suggest getting at least three different estimates from different companies to compare.
- Licensing and insurance: Alexandria concrete companies need licensure from the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation. The application process includes preliminary coursework and exams to ensure aspiring contractors understand regulations and best practices.
- Portfolio: Next, ask each company for a print or digital portfolio. The more projects a contractor has completed, the more skilled they'll be working with concrete, addressing issues, and getting jobs done in an efficient manner.
- Reviews: Research a company’s reputation through real online reviews on popular sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Google Reviews. A well-established concrete company should have a solid reputation for consistently completing jobs to a high standard. Check each testimonial for insights into how the company communicates with clients, sticks to schedules, and carries out their work duties.
- Trade group membership: Trade groups offer certifications and accreditations showing that contractors follow professional standards and best practices. The American Concrete Pavement Association (ACPA) and the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) are two of the most respected.
- Warranties: Ask each contractor about the warranties it offers for materials and labor. An extensive combined warranty can signal a company has high standards and confidence in its own workmanship.
Cost to Hire a Concrete Company
The cost to work with a residential concrete business depends on the job's size, difficulty, location, and concrete type. Nationwide, concrete prices out at an average of $125 per cubic yard. Most concrete contractors charge between $110 and $165 per cubic yard.*
A full truckload of concrete for large residential projects, like driveway replacement, typically costs around $1,025–$1,395. Labor for pouring is $8–$18 per square foot. These rates are for plain concrete only. Custom finishes will increase the cost.
*Cost figures sourced from 2022 reports from multiple sources, including Concrete Network and LawnStarter.